It may still be summer, but if skiing Banff is on your winter bucket list, now is the time to start planning. The best accommodations fill up months in advance, especially during peak ski season, and where you stay can make or break your ski trip.
Last Season I visited Banff to take on the SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge, and The Kenrick was the perfect home base throughout my trip. I had easy access to all 3 mountains and I was able to explore town on foot, The Kenrick is just steps away from great restaurants and shopping.
Recently renovated, the boutique hotel combines modern alpine design with thoughtful amenities that make ski trips feel effortless, from shuttle access to one of the best après scenes in town.
Modern Alpine Accommodations
Following a recent renovation, The Kenrick feels fresh, modern, and unmistakably inspired by the Canadian Rockies. Warm wood accents, soft neutral tones, and clean lines give the hotel a contemporary mountain aesthetic that feels elevated without being overly formal.
The guest rooms are spacious by Banff standards and designed with comfort in mind. After a full day on the slopes, you’ll appreciate the plush beds, cozy seating areas, and thoughtful touches that make it easy to unwind. Many rooms also offer mountain views, a reminder that you’re surrounded by one of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes.
It’s the kind of hotel that feels just as inviting when you’re heading out for first chair as it does when you’re returning after a full day of skiing.
Why The Kenrick Is a Great Place to Stay for Skiers
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Kenrick is how easy it makes getting to the slopes.
The SkiBig3 shuttle picks guests up directly in front of the hotel, making it easy to spend the day at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Mt. Norquay without worrying about driving or parking. Instead of hauling your gear across town, you simply step outside and hop on the bus.
The hotel also offers secure ski lockers, so you don’t have to bring wet boots and skis back to your room each afternoon.
If you need rentals, the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and The Kenrick make it easy. You can arrange to have your skis and boots delivered directly to the hotel and picked up after you leave. It saves time, eliminates an extra stop in town, and lets you maximize your time on the mountain.
The location is another major plus. Situated on Banff Avenue, The Kenrick is within walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants, and bars, making it easy to explore once you’ve traded your ski boots for something more comfortable.
Après Ski at The Kenrick
Every great ski day deserves an equally great après, and this is where The Kenrick really shines.
The Nora Pool feels more like a boutique spa than a typical hotel pool. The heated saltwater pool is open year-round, and after a day on the slopes there is nothing better than lounging in the pool. Guests can order cocktails and food directly to the pool, turning an afternoon swim into a full après experience. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, the pool becomes adults only from 10 p.m. until midnight.
Beyond the pool, the wellness facilities include two hot tubs, cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas, making it easy to loosen up sore legs before another day on the mountain. It’s exactly the kind of recovery your body appreciates after skiing consecutive days.
The Kenrick is close to several bars and restaurants but one of my favorite spots was right on site. The Fat Ox, located inside the hotel, serves alpine-inspired Italian cuisine that feels tailor made for winter evenings. Expect handmade pasta, locally inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed. Before heading to the slopes each morning, you can grab coffee and a quick breakfast from Analog Coffee in the lobby, an easy way to fuel up before catching the shuttle.
If you’re planning a Banff ski vacation for the 2026-2027 winter season, don’t wait until the snow starts falling to book your hotel.
The Kenrick combines everything skiers actually care about: easy access to Banff’s three world class ski resorts, seamless gear logistics, thoughtful amenities, and one of the best places in town to unwind after the lifts stop spinning. Add in its fresh renovation, walkable location, and standout dining, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone deciding where to stay in Banff.
